There are certain steps in my program that are very easy to follow, but I'll tell you right now, finding the right estate lawyer for you is not one of them. This step takes time and careful evaluation so that you hire not just a run-of-the-mill, competent lawyer, but one that really, really works for you and your family.
So how do you find this wonderful, perfectly-fit lawyer that is tailored-made for you? Good question. You can find a great lawyer by asking friends and family members who they use. You can also find a great lawyer by luck...or you can follow my Six Easy Steps to Find the Right Estate Lawyer for You. I sincerely recommend following my six easy steps, which are summarized below.
1. Obtain up to 10 Estate Lawyer's Names
You'll notice I said, "up to" 10 names. If you feel comfortable moving forward with the next five steps with only three names, go for it. You can always come back and add more names, if you need to.
How do you find these names of reliable, competent lawyers? Ask friends, family members, church leaders, your doctors, Legal Aid, the National Elder Foundation (http://www.nelf.org/findcela.asp), the ABA, and if all else fails, the Yellow Pages!
2. Research Estate Lawyers
Find our more about these lawyers such as the school they went to, the type of law the lawyer focuses in on, how long has the lawyer worked in estate planning, and are your special needs met with this lawyer (such s English as a second language or elder law). You can find this information from the internet, ABA, firm advertising, and by referrals.
3. Interview by Phone up to Five Estate Lawyers
This is when the sweat hits the pavement...yes, sweat! You have to call lawyers and interview them by phone to get a first impression on how they come across. Would you be able to talk openly with them about personal and many times private matters? What do you ask them? Sample questions are found in my book's worksheets, located at the back of the book. I will share a lot of information with you about my program in this blog, but sometimes you'll just have to go buy the book to work through the program! This is one of those times.
4. Meet and Interview in Person 2-3 Estate Lawyers
Yikes again! In person interviews can be scary if you are not prepared. However, because you will have questions already to ask (again, found in my book!), you will be able to move through these interviews with new found confidence. You will understand what the heck the lawyer is saying because you will have read my book, Planning, Preparing and Peace, which helps explain basic legal jargon and puts everything into easy to understand terms. A must read, if you ask me.
5. Select Your Estate Lawyer
The worst is behind you after the interviews. Now you compare the lawyers, using my handy-dandy comparison worksheet (yes, found in my book, along with the other worksheets mentioned above). Who knew their stuff the best? Who could you talk to easily? And after all the analysis is done, you have the right to toss away all the criteria and analysis and go with the estate lawyer that made you feel the most comfortable. That's really the most important, but to get here, you had to go through Steps 1-4 first. Make a decision with confidence!
6. Hire Your Estate Lawyer
Now you get to call your lawyer and start working with them on your will, medical declarations, and perhaps a trust or two. The first step the lawyer will take is to have you complete a fee agreement, which explains what the lawyer will do for you and for how much. Review this document carefully to make sure it is consistent with what the lawyer said during the interviews. Once that is done, sign the fee agreement! And celebrate as this is a huge step for anyone to complete!
The lawyer will take it from here and it's all downhill for you. You did a great job on finding your estate lawyer and you feel comfortable with the amount of money and the services you will receive because you took your time and followed the above six steps above. Doesn't get any better than this! Good job!
Until next time,
Kay
Kay
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